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• Expecting & New Parent Support Group (Winter 2026)

  • Start
    01/04/2026
  •  
  • End
    03/01/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    2

  Expecting & New Parent Support Group

  
  

  Description: Rainbow Families is delighted to continue our Support Group for LGBTQ+ people who are currently expecting a child (via adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, or foster), or new to parenthood with a child under 9 months.  This program is facilitated by a licensed psychologist who specializes in reproductive health.  These are peer-based groups and not to be considered a replacement for therapy or counseling.
  Please note Registration is closed for this group. We will have another series in April.
  

   

  Dates: Sunday, January 4th | Sunday, February 1st | Sunday, March 1st 

  Time: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM 

  Cost: $40 per family for Rainbow Families non-members | Free for Rainbow Families members

  (If you are not a Rainbow Families' member and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please reach out to us at info@rainbowfamilies.org). 

  
  

  Additional Terms & Conditions:

  • Registration closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026
  • All sessions are virtual and open to participants nationwide
  • Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety for participants.
  • No refunds will be issued after the start of the first session
  • Dates and times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately. 
  • Please see Rainbow Families full Terms & Conditions located on our website https://rainbowfamilies.org/rules-and-terms/. 

  
  Facilitated by:  Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington

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• Pre-Conception Support Group (Winter 2026)

  • Start
    01/04/2026
  •  
  • End
    03/01/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    13

  Pre-Conception Support Group

  
  

  Description: Rainbow Families is pleased to continue our Support Group for LGBTQ+ people seriously considering or going through Assisted Reproductive Technology as part of their family planning journey.

  This program is facilitated by a licensed psychologist who specializes in reproductive health.  These are peer-based groups and not to be considered a replacement for therapy or counseling.
  Please note Registration is closed for this group. We will have another series in April.
  

  Dates: Sunday, January 4th | Sunday, February 1st | Sunday, March 1st
  Time: 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
  Cost: $40 per family for Rainbow Families non-members | Free for Rainbow Families members
  (If you are not a Rainbow Families' member and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please reach out to us at info@rainbowfamilies.org). 

  Additional Terms & Conditions:

  • Registration closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026
  • All sessions are virtual and open to participants nationwide
  • Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety for participants.
  • No refunds will be issued after the start of the first session
  • Dates and times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately. 
  • Please see Rainbow Families full Terms & Conditions located on our website https://rainbowfamilies.org/rules-and-terms/. 

  
  

  
  Facilitated by:  Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington

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• Single Parent by Choice Support Group (Q1 2026)

  • Start
    01/08/2026
  •  
  • End
    03/05/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    13

  

  Single Parent by Choice Support Group

  Description: This support group is for current LGBTQ+ single parents and for prospective parents planning to become single parents by choice. We discuss the joys, concerns, questions, even frustrations of being an LGBTQ+ parent, PLUS doing so without a partner. Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety to interact. This group is facilitated by a licensed therapist from Lavender Therapy.

  Registration is now closed, we will host this group again later in 2026.

  Dates: Thursday, January 8th | Thursday, February 5th | Thursday, March 5th
  Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM ET
  Cost: $40 per person for non-members | Free for Rainbow Families Members
  (If you are not a Rainbow Families' member and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please reach out to us at info@rainbowfamilies.org.) 

  Additional Terms & Conditions:

  • This support group is a closed group, so registration for this three-series of sessions closes at 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, January 7th.
  • All sessions are virtual and open to participants nationwide.
  • Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety for participants.
  • No refunds will be issued after the start of the first session.
  • Dates and times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately. 
  • Please see Rainbow Families' full Terms & Conditions located on our website (https://rainbowfamilies.org/rules-and-terms/).

  

  https://www.lavendertherapydc.com/

  
  

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• Maybe Baby - Winter 2026

  • Start
    01/25/2026
  •  
  • End
    03/01/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    6

  Maybe Baby - Winter 2026

  Sundays 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

  Jan 25  |  Feb 1  |  Feb 8 |   Feb 22  |  Mar 1 

  Registration is now closed, but we will host another series soon!

  Zoom links are sent in advance. Registration is limited to 26 individuals/families and is open until Friday, January 23rd. There will be subsequent sessions in Summer 2026 if you are not able to join this Winter.

  Rainbow Families' Maybe Baby was designed over 30 years ago for prospective LGBTQ+ parents (single, married or partnered or poly, all gender identities, all relationship status') thinking about parenthood and interested in learning more about the many options and considerations in building a family. The safety and value of programs like this, created BY our community FOR our community, are tremendous.

  We cover a broad range of topics including readiness for parenthood, overview of creating family through adoption, assisted reproduction and foster care/older child, financial and legal issues, building a support network, interracial and intercultural families, the joys and challenges of being an LGBTQ+ headed family and more. The class is designed to provide a balance of active discussion and sharing, as well as to gain practical information that helps set the foundation for moving forward. Like all Rainbow Families programs, this is a safe and welcoming space.

  No Price Increase -  5 years running

  Financial Assistance: If the registration fee presents a hardship for you, please email our Executive Director, Ted Lewis at ted@rainbowfamilies.org.

  Cancellation note: Cancellations received 15 or more days prior to the course start will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations received 14 days or less are not eligible for refund.  NOTE: We reserve the right to reschedule/postpone should minimum participation numbers not be met.

  Agenda:

  • Sunday, January 25th: Getting Started, Introductions, and Readiness for Parenthood with Kyle Collins at HeartWerq
  • Sunday, February 1st: Adoption 101 with Pam Hoehler at Paths for Families; Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) 101 with Dr. Carter Owen at CCRMIVF
  • Sunday, February 8th: Supporting & Creating Family with Older Children with Kathleen Stines at DC Child & Family Services Agency; Creating Family Across Race & Culture with Beth Wheeler and Tony Hynes
  • Sunday, February 22nd: Financial Considerations - Expense, Debt, & Protection with Brandon Clark at the Toler Financial Group; Legal Considerations for Prospective LGBTQ+ Parents with Catelyn Slattery at Foster + Bloom Family Formation Law Group.
  • Sunday, March 1st: Parent Panel with Current LGBTQ+ Parents; Wrap Up and Closing

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• Grief & Loss Support Group (Winter 2026)

  • Start
    01/27/2026
  •  
  • End
    03/31/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    18

  Grief & Loss Support Group

  Description: Grief and loss as it relates to family building is often not discussed, or worse, dismissed. This is particularly true for the LGBTQ+ community. This group, facilitated by a deacon in The Episcopal Church who is also a community member, helps explore paths to healing, coping, and more. Sessions are held monthly in 3-month cycles. Like all Rainbow Families support groups, this is a safe and welcoming space.

  Dates: Tuesday, January 27th | Tuesday, February 24th | Tuesday, March 31st
  Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Eastern
  Cost: $40 per family for non-members | Free for Rainbow Families' members.
  (If you are not a Rainbow Families' member and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please reach out to us at info@rainbowfamilies.org). 

  Additional Terms & Conditions:

  • Registration closes at 5:00 PM ET on Monday, January 26, 2025
  • All sessions are virtual and open to participants nationwide.
  • Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety for participants.
  • No refunds will be issued after the first session.
  • Dates and times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately.
  • Please see Rainbow Families' full Terms & Conditions located on our website https://rainbowfamilies.org/events/.

  Show details
• Divorced & Separated Support Group

  • Start
    02/02/2026
  •  
  • End
    12/07/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    11 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  

  Divorced & Separated Support Group

   The Divorced & Separated Support Group is a peer-based, informal support group for divorced or separated LGBTQ+ parents going through divorce or separation (or who already are divorced).    Non-parents are welcome to participate, with the understanding that discussions will include topics of parenthood & divorce/separation.

  This is an excellent  opportunity to come together as a community to discuss and share resources, laugh and learn about commonalities and differences, as well as dig deeper into the experiences that unite us.    Meetings held virtually.

  Available to participants nationally.  Rainbow Families membership not required
  first Monday of every month, 8:00pm ET
  
  NO COST for Rainbow Families members | $40 for non-members 

  
  

  
  

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• We're in this Together: Parents Supporting Parents

  • When
    02/11/2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  We're in this Together: Parents Supporting Parents

  PLEASE CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER WITH SMYAL

  Peer-Led Parents/Caregivers Support Group
  Rainbow Families and SMYAL are excited to announce a quarterly series of peer-facilitated support groups for parents and caregivers of queer and trans youth. This group is designed to create a peer-led, peer-focused support space for anyone actively serving as the primary caregiver for a queer and/or trans-identified child. We welcome caregivers who are LGBTQ+ as well as heterosexual and/or cisgender.

  While all LGBTQ+ youth (and their families) are feeling increased pressure in our current climate, we recognize that trans youth and their families are bearing the brunt of this - both socially and politically. We also recognize the increased pressure on LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers. If you are not currently experiencing these pressures, please come with an open mind, and willingness to learn from experiences outside your own. We are all in this together. and want to create space to discuss our shared fear, joy, anxiety, and love for our families. 

  Registration Information:
  We know that safety and security matter now, more than ever, which is why we are implementing some additional safety measures for this series. Pre-registration will be required, and will include a handful of questions that our team will use to prepare for each session. If this is your first time attending a SMYAL or a Rainbow Families group, please see below for additional details.

  For active participants of SMYAL or Rainbow Families programming:
  We hope to see you at one of the four peer-led parent and caregiver support groups! Because you are a known entity to one or both of our organizations, we will verify your identity by the information submitted in your registration. (One team may still reach out if we have any additional questions.)

  For parents and caregivers NEW to SMYAL and Rainbow Families:
  Participants who have not previously engaged with Rainbow Families or SMYAL will be required to have a quick (~10-20 minute) introductory virtual meeting with the facilitators in advance of the group. New participants will not be able to attend without completing this pre-meeting.

  Dates: (Parents and caregivers may register for a single group, or the entire series.)

  • Wednesday, February 11th 6:30 - 7:30 PM ET
  • Wednesday, May 13th 6:30 - 7:30 PM ET
  • Wednesday, July 8th 6:30 - 7:30 PM ET
  • Wednesday, November 18th 6:30 - 7:30 PM ET

  PLEASE CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER WITH SMYAL

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• Family Protection Planning for Your Rainbow Family

  • When
    02/18/2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom

  Register

  Family Protection Planning for Your Rainbow Family
  Jumpstart your Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, & Family Legal Recognition

  
  

  Wednesday, February 18th
  7:00 - 8:00 PM ET
  Virtual via Zoom
  Free & Open to the Public

  This interactive workshop is designed specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals and families who want to take meaningful steps toward protecting the people they love most.We’ll break down estate planning, special needs planning, and family legal recognition in plain language—no legal jargon required. You’ll learn why these tools matter, what documents to prioritize, and how to avoid common pitfalls that can leave families vulnerable during times of crisis. Whether you’re just starting to think about planning or you’ve been meaning to update existing documents, this workshop will help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to take the next step.

  During this session, you’ll learn:

  • What core estate planning documents every LGBTQ+ family should have (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives)
  • How to protect non-biological and non-adoptive parents through proper legal recognition
  • Planning strategies for families with children or loved ones who have special needs
  • How to plan for incapacity or emergencies so your wishes are honored and your family stays in control
  • Common mistakes that can unintentionally leave partners, children, or chosen family unprotected

  Maria Bates

  Maria Bates is a DC and Florida licensed attorney (Maria Bates Law PLLC) who builds and protects families and organizations (assisted reproduction, child welfare & adoption, estate & special needs planning, business & nonprofit development, issue advocacy). Maria received her BA in Human Development from Eckerd College, her JD from Stetson University College of Law, a LLM in Business Law from Florida State University and is in the process of finishing her LLM in Wealth Management from Texas A & M University. Maria started her career as a counselor for teens with addictions and mental health issues, then went on to special projects consulting before returning to law school and founding two adoption agencies and her law practice. Maria is a very proud single mom through adoption of 4 amazing children. She is a member of the Family Law Institute of the National LGBT Bar Association and has been working on LGBTQ+ advocacy for over 30 years.

  
  

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• QPOCX at DC Lunar New Year Parade

  • When
    02/22/2026
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Judiciary Square Metro Station (F Street between 4th & 5th St. NW, DC)

  Register

  QPOCX at DC Lunar New Year Parade

  Sunday, February 22nd 2:00 PM
  Meet outside the Judiciary Square Metro station (outside on the police memorial side, across from the building museum. 
  Free & Open to the Public

  Join the Rainbow Families' Queer Parents of Color Connections (QPOCX) group as we celebrate the Lunar New Year and the year of the Horse on Sunday, February 22nd. Come out and enjoy the fabulous DC Lunar New Year Parade. Find us outside the Judiciary Square Metro station (on the police memorial side) and we will walk to 7th street to see the parade. 

  This event is free and open to the public, however, this meet-up is designed for LGBTQ+ parents of color and their families.

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• Drag Story Time for HRC's National Day of Reading

  • When
    02/27/2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Friends to Lovers, 301 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314

  Register

  HRC's National Day of Reading Drag Storytime

  in partnership with Friends of Dorothy

  
  

  Friends to Lovers

  301 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314

  Celebrate stories, sparkle, and inclusion at a very special Drag Storytime for the HRC National Day of Reading! Join Rainbow Families and Friends of Dorothy at Friends to Lovers Bookstore in Alexandria on February 27th from 5:30–6:30 PM for a joyful hour of fabulous drag performers by Makayla Starr, engaging read-alouds, and community connection. This family-friendly event honors the power of books to inspire empathy, confidence, and love in all its beautiful forms. Come read, laugh, and celebrate together—because every story (and every family) deserves to be seen and celebrated! FREE for everyone.

  
  

  
  

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• Nurturing Belonging in Interracial Adoptive Families

  • When
    03/04/2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom

  Register

  Nurturing Belonging in Interracial Adoptive Families

  Wednesday, March 4th 7:00 - 8:00 PM

  Interracial adoption adds layers of complexity to a child’s experience of identity, culture, and belonging. In this workshop, adoptee and scholar Tony Hynes, Ph.D. draws on research insights and personal lived experience to guide families and professionals through the realities that children in interracial and transracial adoptions often navigate.

  Together, we will explore how race, culture, and adoption intersect—and how these intersections shape a child’s developing sense of self. Topics will include identity formation, navigating environments where a child may be racially isolated, responding to bias or racialized comments, and the importance of connection to a child’s birth culture and community. Participants will learn practical ways to build racial awareness within the family, support healthy identity development, and create a home environment where children feel seen, safe, and understood.

  This webinar is a collaboration between Rainbow Families and C.A.S.E.

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• QPOCX at Ratón de Biblioteca | The Library Mouse

  • When
    03/14/2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20010

  Register

  QPOCX at Ratón de Biblioteca | The Library Mouse

  Sunday, March 14th 3:00 PM
  GALA Hispanic Theatre
  3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20010
  Tickets: $12 per adult, $10 per child

  Join Rainbow Families' QPOCX group for a meet-up at the GALA Hispanic Theatre on Sunday, March 14th at 3:00 PM for their bilingual performance of Ratón de Bibilioteca (The Library Mouse). Register here with Rainbow Families, and use the link in your confirmation email to purchase tickets. This event is an opportunity for parents of color and their families to connect. 

  "This charming play is about the clash between an intellectual library mouse and a street gang of mice that teaches children to respect differences and appreciate books."

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• Great Wolf Lodge Weekend in Baltimore, MD

  • Start
    03/20/2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    03/22/2026
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Great Wolf Lodge Baltimore, 1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway Perryville, MD 21903

  Register

  Great Wolf Lodge Weekend in Baltimore, MD

  Friday, March 20th 4:00 PM Check-In
  Sunday, March 22nd 11:00 AM Check-Out
  Great Wolf Lodge Perryville/Baltimore, MD
  1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway
  Perryville, MD 21903
  Discount Price - $379 per night for a Family Suite

  Reservations must be made by March 5, 2026 to receive the discount from Great Wolf Lodge Baltimore. Space is limited and Rainbow Families members can register starting December 15th while non-members can register starting January 1st. 

  Rainbow Families is heading back to Great Wolf Lodge in 2026, but this time we are headed to the brand new lodge in Perryville/Baltimore, MD! Join us for a fabulous weekend getaway with your family and Rainbow Families. Enjoy the wonderful indoor waterpark and explore countless activities for the whole family while ensuring your family isn’t the only LGBTQ+ family at the park. 

  Rainbow Families has secured a courtesy block for our families at Great Wolf Lodge Baltimore for Friday, March 20, 2026 to Sunday, March 22, 2026. Each family is responsible for making their own reservations and is financially responsible for room fees, meals, taxes, and any add-on services you wish to take advantage of at the lodge. The special discount price is $379 per night for a Family Suite.
  

  Rainbow Families will be creating an activity and meals schedule for all participating families. These voluntary events provide an opportunity for families to connect and our kids to play together. We have also secured a large cabana in the indoor water park for all families to enjoy on Saturday, March 21st. The schedule of activities and meal times will be available soon!

  Once you register with Rainbow Families you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for how to make your reservation with Great Wolf Lodge Baltimore. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ted Lewis at ted@rainbowfamilies.org.

  
  

  
  

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• Kite Festival Meet Up

  • When
    03/28/2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Washington Monument Grounds

  Register

  Kite Festival Meet Up

  Saturday March 28th, 2026

  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  Washington Monument Grounds, 15th St NW, Washington DC.

  
  

  Join us for a fun family event in the park! Bring a picnic blanket, some snacks, and your kites and enjoy this wonderful DC tradition with other Rainbow Families. We will meet on the grass in front of the Washington Monument Lodge. Some rainbow kites for everyone to use will be provided, but please bring your wonderful flying cometas. Smithsonian Metro stop is the closest to the Monument Grounds.  

   

  *NO FEES REQUIRED, BUT REGISTER YOUR INTEREST*

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